Forst Inn Arts Collective Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

ATTENDEES* ABSENT
Connie Hendries Mary Maurer
Brian Van Ells John Brunner
Bill Fricke Justin Nickels
Scott Dollinger Kevin Voysey
Fritz Dramm Brennan Seehafer
Catherine Egger Christine Honzik
Michael Sheeks *Lack of a quorum prevents the Board from
approving any actions during this meeting.

Call to Order

● Meeting was called to order at approximately 2:10 PM on Sunday, May, 20​th​, 2018.
● Lack quorum noted.

Previous Meeting Minutes Review and Approval

● No other discussion on previous meeting minutes.

● Attendees recommended that minutes be approved (C. Hendries motion / S. Donlin 2​nd​)

Treasurer’s Report

● 501C application submitted and awaiting completion.

● Michael reported
o Catering costs (actual $8.50 to 9.50/person) are higher than initially estimated
($5/person). Change was needed to reduce costs.
▪ With many thanks for Cheryl Vogel at Moose on the Loose Catering, it was
decided to begin preparing food in-house.
o This summer there will be shift to fund raising efforts. More to follow at the next Board
meeting. See more details under ​Fund Raising​​ below.

Director’s Report

● Special event – Forst Inn sesquicentennial on September 22​nd​.

● Music – Great spring / good targeting of audiences
o Brian Lee coming this summer
o Sunday music needs support every week
o Salerno combo coming in July – could use some sponsors
o Other artists / events
▪ Janet Planted
▪ Erin Krebs
▪ New Year’s Celebration?
▪ Mardi Gras Celebration on March 2​nd​ 2019 with Hot & Dirty Brass Band
● Shows – Good development and growing attendance (AVG 45/show)
o Dinner w Friends starts May 25​th

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Forst Inn Arts Collective
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 Forst Inn Arts Collective Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

o Putnam Spelling Bee in rehearsals

o Mystery bus (X3 nights)
o 39 Steps has a business buying 30 tickets for one night
o Czech sister-city travelers will be attending a show as well.
● Underground Theater preparing for a late-2018 launch with production of the political and edgy
“Hello Again”.

NEW BUSINESS

● 501 (c) 3 application

o Conflict of interest language reviewed and approved.
▪ Need one more Board member to vote to approve.
o Dissolution Language reviewed and approved.
▪ Need one more Board member to vote to approve.
o Authorize Lease Completion and Execution – Michael to complete in coming weeks.

Fund Raising

● Key point – While significant donations are still the most valuable to Forst Inn, getting small
donations to keep cash flow and small fixes/changes moving is important.
● Making it easy for that cash to come means the opportunity needs to be made easy. Will need
to encourage cash donations however small.
o Supporters may not contribute monthly using online tool recently updated.
o Simple idea – Include a fundraising envelope in all show programs.
● Direct mailing will be planned
o B. Fricke’s business has a mailing service, including 500 business contact in MTWC
County to target. Use a bright envelope, including 501C status
o There may be grant opportunities available.
● Fundraising event(s) schedule and location are critical. Can we determine if there is a good time
to have a serious fund-raising event? What “dark” periods might be worthwhile?
o DEC-JAN-FEB?
● QUESTION – How do we prospect, connect, negotiate and complete the new patron process?

Volunteer Development

● Still need to develop…

o CRITICAL – Need a “Project List” to help solicit the right kind of managers and
volunteers. Michael and Catherine to develop the list.
● Looking for front-of-house volunteers
● Looking for volunteers to work improvement projects (painting, cleaning, organizing, etc.)
● Looking for key-people (a supportive contractor) to manage projects with volunteers.
● QUESTION: How do we gain volunteer buy-in to the Forst Inn Arts Collective Mission?

Advertising

● Mystery busses are starting to find out about Forst Inn!

● Looking for someone interested in our Internship opportunity (4 candidates).
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Forst Inn Arts Collective
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 Forst Inn Arts Collective Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

● Where do Door County businesses advertise? Can we reach the same audience?
● Investment should probably be made in road signs, newspaper ads. Currently under review.
● Online presence/visibility is being developed with Facebook “boosting” at $500-600/month.
o Added cost each month needs to be covered.
● Can we use other social media avenues? Instagram? Others?

Observation / Comments

● Board members commented again that progress in wonderful to see.

● More Board members should attend Board meetings regularly!!!
● Consideration of new Board Members? When?

Meeting Adjournment

● Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 PM. Motion by S. Dollinger and seconded by C.

Hendries.

Next Meeting

● Next Board Meeting is June, 24​th​, 2018 at 1:30 PM.

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Submitted by Fritz Dramm, Secretary
Forst Inn Arts Collective
FORST INN BoD Meeting Minutes.180218